Convertible vehicle

Abstract

A convertible car includes a mobile roof which can be retained on a windshield frame when closed. For retaining the roof, at least two mobile engaging elements and at least one actuating element for the same are provided. The actuating element is operatively coupled with the engaging elements via respective force transmitters which project with one component in the vehicle transverse direction. At least inward pointing ends of the force transmitters, for the purpose of force transmission, are movable in a purely translational manner and in parallel to their projecting component.

1. A movable roof for use with a convertible vehicle, the roof being movable between a stored position wherein the roof is stored within a storage compartment of the vehicle, and a closed position wherein the roof extends between the storage compartment and a windshield frame of the convertible vehicle, the roof having a front end engaging the windshield frame when the roof is in the closed position, a transverse axis being defined side to side at the front end of the roof, the roof comprising:
 a first and a second engagement member disposed at the front end of the roof, each engagement member movable between a free position and a secured position, wherein in the secured position the engagement member engages the windshield frame so as to secure the roof to the windshield frame; 
 an actuation assembly disposed at the front end of the roof at a position between the first and second engagement members, the actuation assembly including a drive unit having a longitudinal axis disposed generally parallel to the transverse axis and a rotary member that is rotatable about the transverse axis; and 
 a first and a second elongated force communicator each having an inner end and an outer end, and a joint disposed between the inner end and the outer end, each elongated force communicators extending generally transversely between its inner and outer ends, the inner ends each being threadingly engaged with the rotary member such that rotation of the rotary member causes movement of the inner end of the force communicators purely along the transverse axis and transverse movement of the elongated force communicators, the outer end of each elongated force communicator being interconnected with one of the engagement members such that linear movement of the inner end of each force communicator along the transverse axis causes the engagement members to move between the secured and free positions. 
 
   
   
     2. A convertible vehicle in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the rotary member is configured as a sleeve having an interior with at least one turn of a thread in the interior or as a spindle having an outer side with at least one turn of a thread on the outer side. 
   
   
     3. A convertible vehicle in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the at least one thread of the rotary member comprises turns of threads increasing in opposite directions toward both transverse sides of the vehicle. 
   
   
     4. A convertible vehicle in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein the force communicators are each provided with outwardly projecting steps which engage into the turns of the thread. 
   
   
     5. A convertible vehicle in accordance with  claim 4 , wherein the force communicators are made as pull-push bars. 
   
   
     6. The movable roof of  claim 1 , wherein:
 each engagement member includes a pivotal arm; and 
 the outer end of each elongated force communicator is pivotally interconnected with the pivotal aim of one of the engagement members. 
 
   
   
     7. The movable roof of  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal axis of the drive unit is offset from the transverse axis.